5G Slot-Based Scheduling Configuration Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current 5G wireless communication technologies face challenges in efficiently determining whether control information is associated with slot-based or non-slot-based configurations, affecting processing timelines and reference signal locations for user equipment (UE), leading to suboptimal resource utilization and signaling efficiency.

Innovation Solution

The method involves determining whether control information is associated with a slot-based or non-slot-based configuration by analyzing the control information itself, including DCI formats and explicit indications, to correctly identify the data configuration and processing timeline for user equipment, thereby optimizing the usage of slot-based and non-slot-based scheduling.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If slot-based scheduling is used, then processing timeline and resource allocation are standardized, but flexibility in handling different service requirements is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprocessing efficiencyVSAvoidscheduling flexibility
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic scheduling by enabling the network to switch between slot-based and non-slot-based scheduling modes according to service requirements. The gNB can configure different scheduling types for different UEs or different time periods, allowing the system to adapt its behavior dynamically rather than being fixed to one scheduling approach.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the scheduling parameter from a fixed state to a variable state by introducing configurable scheduling types. The system can adjust the scheduling mode parameter based on traffic conditions, service type, and network load, transforming a static scheduling framework into a flexible one that can optimize for different scenarios.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Adaptability or versatility

If non-slot-based scheduling is used, then scheduling flexibility is improved, but determination complexity and signaling overhead increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvescheduling flexibilityVSAvoiddetermination complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by having the gNB pre-configure and indicate the scheduling type to the UE before actual data transmission. This advance indication allows the UE to prepare the appropriate processing logic in advance, reducing the complexity of real-time determination during actual communication operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces control information as an intermediary that carries scheduling type indications from the gNB to the UE. This intermediary mechanism simplifies the determination process by providing explicit guidance rather than requiring the UE to independently analyze and decide the scheduling type, thereby reducing determination complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Measurement precision

If explicit indications are added to control information, then scheduling type determination accuracy is improved, but signaling overhead increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedetermination accuracyVSAvoidsignaling overhead
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies partial action by adding only the necessary minimal indication information for scheduling type determination, rather than providing complete scheduling details in the control information. This selective approach provides sufficient accuracy for the UE to correctly identify the scheduling type while minimizing the additional signaling overhead.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent makes the control information structure multi-functional by designing it to carry both traditional scheduling information and the additional scheduling type indication. This universal approach allows the same control channel to serve multiple purposes without requiring separate dedicated signaling channels, thereby limiting the increase in overall signaling overhead.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentEP4329411A1Techniques and apparatuses for slot-based and non-slot-based scheduling in 5g
Publication Date: 2024.02.28 QUALCOMM INC
  • EP4329411A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4329411A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4329411A1 patent drawingFigure 3A

AI summary

Various aspects of the present disclosure generally relate to wireless communication. In some aspects, a user equipment (UE) may receive control information for a communication of the UE; and determine whether the control information is associated with a slot-based control configuration or a non-slot-based control configuration based at least in part on the control information; or determine whether the communication is associated with a slot-based data configuration or a non-slot-based data configuration. Numerous other aspects are provided.